The patch will be on display when the team takes the field for its regular-season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 8 at Ford Field. The patch will be debuted to a national audience as the team's opener will be broadcast on ESPN's Monday Night Football.

Mr. Ford passed away on March 9, 2014 at the age of 88. He purchased the Lions in November of 1963 and officially became sole owner of the team January 10, 1964.